Luka Doncic and the Mavericks have hailed their camaraderie and potential as “unique” throughout their record-setting journey to the Western Conference finals. They’ll have to be historic now.
Dallas fell behind 3-0 in their third-round series after losing 109-100 to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.
Luka Doncic scored 40 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out three assists in the last 1:49 to trim the Warriors’ advantage to 5 points (104-99).
Luka Doncic Performed Marvelously
However, Dallas’ ongoing 3-point shooting struggles and frontcourt size disadvantage doomed the team’s attempt to “keep serve” on the American Airlines Center court, as coach Jason Kidd puts it.
They were down 0-2 for the second consecutive playoff series, but they were used to playing from behind after overcoming a two-game disadvantage against the NBA’s finest Phoenix Suns in the second round.
They’re presently in a situation in which no group has ever emerged victorious.
In his four NBA seasons, Doncic has accomplished several incredible exploits, the most notable of which being Dallas’ one-superstar upset run to the franchise’s first conference final since 2011. However, the Warriors’ lineup of All-Stars and future Hall of Famers, who are one win away from reaching their sixth NBA Finals in eight years, provide a historic challenge. The Mavericks had little statistical advantages.
For the second time in three games, they shot 13 of 45 from three-point range, falling below 30%. The Warriors had a 47-33 rebounding advantage and 14 offensive baskets for 18 second-chance points.
Luka Doncic passed Dirk Nowitzki for the team record with his eighth 40-point playoff game, however, Dallas fell to 2-6 in those games. He ended with a game-worst minus-19, reflecting the Mavericks’ rotation’s dismal scoring.
Dinwiddie spent much of his postgame interview with his head in his palm. Jalen Brunson seldom looked up from the table’s box score. Until scoring 21 points in the final quarter, Doncic lamented his performance.
